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Alexander Darchiev, Russia's ambassador to the United States, died suddenly at the age of 66, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. Darchiev had been leading the Russian Embassy in Washington since March 2025, as reported by ABC News.
The ministry described Darchiev as "an outstanding diplomat" and "a consummate professional" who served in a critical area of Russian foreign policy. Before his appointment as ambassador to the U.S., Darchiev held several roles within the Russian Foreign Ministry, including as Russia's ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021, and as the head of the North America Department.
President Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev as ambassador to Washington in March 2025. During his tenure, there was a noted thaw in U.S.-Russia relations, with U.S. President Donald Trump resuming diplomatic contacts with Moscow. The news of Darchiev's death coincided with ongoing peace talks involving U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, as reported by the Kyiv Independent.
The Russian Foreign Ministry extended its deepest condolences to Darchiev's family and loved ones. This is a developing story, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.